Hudson Pride Connections Center Names New Executive DirectorMichael Billy to Lead LGBT Center in Jersey City

JERSEY CITY – Michael Billy has been named the next Executive Director of Hudson Pride Connections Center, the largest LGBT center in the State of New Jersey. The Board of Trustees will formally introduce Michael in his new position on Thursday, August 17th at City Hall, during the annual Jersey City Pride Flag Raising ceremony at 3:30PM. Mr. Bisogno, known locally as Michael Billy begins his new duties on August 16th.In this role, Michael will be responsible for the overall operations, development and implementation of Hudson Pride’s strategic plan. “Michael’s deep experience in community organizing, creative problem solving and his fearless dedication to social justice positions him perfectly to lead Hudson Pride into the future” said Board Co-Chair Jonathan Lucas. “He has years of experience advocating for the LGBT community and for people who have been disenfranchised, bullied and underserved. Formally, a Hudson Pride board member, Michael understands the organizations talents and needs. We are very delighted Michael has accepted this leadership position.”

“I am honored and excited to be given the chance to lead such a long-standing cornerstone of our community. With the largest LGBT population in the state, we have the opportunity to build a model community center for LGBT community centers across the country” said Michael Billy.

Michael is the founder of several organizations benefiting and promoting local commerce and tourism including the Jersey City International Film & TV Festival, Humanity Pride Productions and Jersey City Stands. Additionally, he has served as the host for Jersey City’s Independence Day Ceremonies and currently serves as the co-chair of the Jersey City Pride Festival. Under his co-leadership with Eddie Baez, the Pride Festival has more than quadrupled in size attracting more than 8,000 visitors annually. “Over the last four years that I have worked with Michael on the Jersey City Pride Festival I have seen him in action firsthand. He has a tireless dedication to the Jersey City LGBT Community and to those served by Hudson Pride. I can’t think of a better person to now take the helm and I look forward to working with him in his new role” says Eddie Baez. Michael’s influence locally and beyond has successfully translated activism into policy. He has organized several social justice rallies and initiatives generating massive support and awareness of injustices affecting the LGBT, Transgender, youth and Muslim communities. His advocacy efforts after the Orlando Pulse nightclub tragedy brought 6,000 people together peacefully to mourn a horrific act.

“Hudson Pride Connections Center has made a brilliant decision by hiring Michael Billy. Not only is he a crucial local organizer, but he is also a national figure that has helped shape our movement” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “As a former employee of Hudson Pride, I am excited to see Michael Billy bring this critical organization into its next chapter and I look forward to working with him in my role at Garden State Equality.”

Jonathan Lucas, who has served in a dual role as acting Executive Director and Board Chair will continue to serve on Hudson Pride’s Board as Co-chair for Operations with Paul Hyman serving as Co-chair for Strategy & Development.

Hudson Pride Connections Center(HPCC), a 501c3 nonprofit community benefit organization founded in 1993 exists to bridge the gap in services and respond to the unmet needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender community (and allies), as well as HIV positive people of any orientation / identity. HPCC provides supportive social, prevention, outreach, advocacy services and development trainings to educate, empower and unite all our communities. ###